Powered by a new 1.6L turbo engine, the Veloster Turbo delivers 262Nm of torque, an increase of 60%, with maximum power increasing nearly 50% to 150kW.
The new model has the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Other enhancements include 300mm ventilated front disc brakes – 20mm larger than on naturally aspirated models, a recalibrated suspension package, a quicker rack (2.78 turns lock to lock) and revised motor-driven power steering.
Hyundai general manager Andy Sinclair says all the extra power “brings brawn to beauty.”
The vehicle has an “aggressive” new front grille, round front foglamps, 18” alloy wheels with chrome inserts, side skirts, a rear diffuser, rear spoiler and twin circular exhaust outlets.
Standard features include sports bucket seats fitted with a blend of leather and leatherette, a 7” LCD touch screen, reversing camera and a panoramic glass sunroof.
It comes in six colours, as a 6-speed manual or automatic, both priced at $49,990.